Limb-preserving operations in the treatment of malignant bone tumors.

Limb-preserving resections require very careful indications; in particular, the criteria of oncologic radicality must be strictly considered. The functional results can be improved compared with those of ablative surgery, while the rate of relapse-free survival is the same. Surgical therapy for metastases of bone tumors should be performed by simple and safe procedures which allow for quick rehabilitation. The most important limb-preserving methods of operation in the treatment of primary and secondary malignant bone tumors are discussed and a few examples are presented.